Primary Care

Primary care is medical care delivered with the patient and the community first in mind and is traditionally the point of ‘first contact’ for the patient when a medical illness, issue or concern arises. Primary care not only treats the patient when they are ill, but works with the patient when they are healthy to establish strong health maintenance skills by practicing disease prevention and health education.

Having a primary care provider (PCP), is a key part of living a healthy life. He or she can focus on your total health and work with other doctors to make sure you get the care you need. Although a PCP is often a doctor (MD or DO), he or she may also be a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a Physician Assistant (PA).

Your PCP keeps your medical records, which show your history of care. That means he or she knows when you get things like your flu shot, tests or if you’re taking medicines. That way, he or she can help you better when you’re sick. It can also help your PCP work with you to stay healthy over time.

Be sure to talk to your PCP about any problems you have when you’re sick or hurt. That way, your PCP can give you the best care. During your visit, he or she may ask you questions like:

When did you first feel or see signs you weren’t feeling well or were hurt?

What makes it better or worse?

Has anyone in your family ever had anything like this?

It can be hard to remember things when you don’t feel well. If you need help, have a friend or family member go with you. Taking notes on what your PCP says can also help you make sure you know exactly what he or she wants you to do to take care of yourself.

Preventive Care

It’s good to see your PCP for preventive care. A preventive care exam is usually a yearly checkup with your PCP. He or she will check things like your blood pressure, weight and more. It’s also a chance for you to tell your PCP about your health since you last saw him or her.

He or she would want to know things like:

Do you take any over-the-counter medicines, diet pills or vitamins?

Any changes in exercise or activities

If you had any falls or balance problems

If you went to the emergency room (ER), urgent care or to any specialists

Any problems with depression (being sad for a long time) or anxiety over life events (life events can be things like a loved one dying, losing a job, etc.)

If you got flu or pneumonia shots or any vaccines

Any issues with bladder control

Your PCP may have things that he or she will need you to do after your visit. So, before you leave, make sure you know:

How to take any medicines

How long to take medicines

How to do any treatments

How long you will need to do any treatments

Go over all of your medicines to see if you still need them

How long before you should feel better

What to do if you don’t feel better

When your next visit is

If you need lab tests or X-rays

If your PCP wants you to see a specialist

Your PCP wants you stay healthy. Being able to talk openly with your PCP can help you stay healthy because you’re working together.

Alpharetta and Cumming Internal Medicine has experienced staff and physicians who can help you live your life to its fullest. If you live north of Atlanta in Roswell, Woodstock, Johns Creek, Suwanee or Canton, you are just a short distance from the best primary care in Georgia. Call us at 770/475-2377 to schedule an appointment today!